This beautiful beachfront property offers direct access to lush sand, an endless supply of Vitamin Sea and a resplendent pool for those who prefer to keep their feet sand-free. If you’re not a fan of the beach, you can always go the other way and explore the nearby virgin jungle packed with some of the most exotic plants Malaysia has to offer. Amenities include an in-hotel restaurant, a fitness center, a spa, hot tub, and the all-important bar for those who want to close their day with a nightcap.

This spa-slash-hotel offers all kinds of relaxing treatments while giving easy access to all the remarkable spots of Kota, Kinabalu for a truly entertaining tour of Malaysia.

They have a PADI dive center that can instruct beginners on how to best explore and enjoy the ocean. Enjoy the view of the sea from one end and jungle views on the other as you truly immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The spa is located on a hilltop, giving that truly relaxing feeling as you pamper yourself. Other amenities include a plunge pool, an infinity pool, a gym, and upgraded rooms.

Gaya Island Resort

Overlooking the impressive expanse of the South China Sea, the Gaya Island Resort is located near the Tunku Abdul Rahman, Marine Park. This makes it one of the best places to go to if you happen to love the ocean and everything in it. Rather than basic rooms, guests are treated to their very own chic villas containing all the necessities of home include a coffee maker, a minibar, flat screen televisions, and wireless Internet. Balconies offer a relaxing breeze and the invigorating smell of the clean sea. The island is home to four restaurants, each one serving something different to tease the senses. Other facilities include a dive school, nature walks, fishing, a gym, a pool, and an all-around spa.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

No hotel list is complete without at least one Shangri-La hotel, one of the most impressive chains today. This particular site in Kota Kinabalu is strategically located just 39 km from the international airport. Situated in the center of an 18-hole championship golf course, you can be sure that there will be lots of space, greenery, and quiet no matter where you look. As with all Shangri-La Hotels, this branch is packed with luxury starting from the modern rooms to the hotel facilities including pools, a health club, a beach bar, and a comprehensive spa. Breakfast buffets are served daily and free for all guests. For lunch and dinner, you can choose amongst local and international cuisines, depending on what suits your fancy.

Gayana Eco Resort

The Gayana Eco Resort is the best place to go to if you want privacy and nature in one convenient package. Being just six minutes away from the Marina Ecology Research Center, it’s also perfect for those who are interested in learning a little bit more during their vacation.

The hotel is home to two restaurants offering an extensive variety of cuisines. A spa and an outdoor pool are there in case you don’t feel like strolling too far from the hotel. All rooms come with safety deposit boxes, wireless Internet, televisions, and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms, however, come with butlers and plunge pools.

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Definitely one of the more impressive hotels in Kota Kinabalu, the Nexus Resort and Spa houses roughly 485 rooms. Wonderfully large with a staff that resembles a veritable city, the hotel is situated near an 18-hole golf course. This is why the hotel is a favorite spot of those who love this strategic sport. The number of restaurants is impressive, totaling to 18 all in all along with bars with drinks to suit the taste of any guest. The rooms are wonderfully large and packed with the necessary amenities of home.

Definitely more affordable than all the other hotels in this list, that doesn’t mean that the Borneo Beach Villas is lacking in quality. Offering large rooms, all the basic amenities, and access to an excellent view of Kota Kinabalu, this accommodation is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly vacation. Some of the facilities include an extensive pool, friendly staff, and the most amazing food offerings.

Kasih Sayang Health Resort

Containing just 28 rooms, the Kasih Sayang Health Resort offers a feel of exclusivity for all its guests without scrimping on the luxurious necessities of travel. Offering wireless Internet in all rooms and quick access to nature trails, this accommodation has everything you can possibly need without the exorbitant price tag. The staff is bilingual and from the hotel itself, you can easily set up additional tours to take you around Malaysia and truly experience this wonderful country.

Manukan Island Resort

This beachfront property offers all types of rooms from single to family sized. Even with an exhaustive access to the beach, guests are treated to an amazing pool area – just in case you prefer non-salty water for your swimming. Home to an impressive restaurant and an extensive bar – the Manukan Island Resort offers a different level of cozy.

Sutera Harbour Resort

A little bit off the beaten path, the Sutera Harbour Resort offers immediate access to the beach even as it provides its guests with all the comforts of modern life. It is the largest resort in the city of Kota Kinabalu – which is all you really need to know about the hotel. Thanks to its excellence and popularity, the Sutera Harbour Resort is the recipient of thousands of positive feedbacks for their elegant rooms, perfect services, exhaustive amenities and reasonable prices.

Make sure to check out these top best resorts in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for your next trip.

*Prices per night of Kota Kinabalu Hotels are subject to change without prior notice, Always check Agoda for updated and lowest rates available.

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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